“Garmi-e-hasrat-e-nakaam se jal jaate hain, Hum charaaghon ki tarah shaam se jal jaate hain.” (We burn in the heat of unfulfilled longing, Like lamps, we ignite with the coming of dusk.)
On this 11th of July, the anniversary of his passing, the verses of Qateel Shifai continue to illuminate the quiet corners of countless hearts. A master craftsman of emotion, he wove the universal threads of human experience—love, loss, resilience, and divine supplication—into poetry and lyrics that transcend time and geography.
From Adversity to Artistic Awakening
Born Muhammad Aurangzeb on December 24, 1919, in Haripur, Qateel Shifai rose as one of the subcontinent’s most prominent Urdu poets and lyricists. His creative odyssey, stretching over six decades, touched every realm of human life with rare sensitivity. Following his father’s demise in 1935, he was compelled to leave his studies. Attempts at small businesses faltered, yet these very trials guided him toward poetry and the silver screen.
In 1938, he embraced the pen name “Qateel Shifai,” a heartfelt homage to his mentor, Hakeem Mohammed Yahya Shifa Khanpuri. His early compositions were honed under his teacher’s rigorous guidance, sculpting a voice that would soon captivate millions.
The Cinematic Symphony Begins
“Tum puchho aur main na bataaun, aise to haalat nahin…” (Ask me, yet I cannot speak—such is not my state…)
The year 1947 proved transformative as Shifai entered the Pakistani film industry. His debut with Teri Yaad launched a prolific career, yielding over 2,500 songs. Enduring favourites include “Taqdeer Kay Malik, Dekh Zara,” “Ghazab Kiya Teray Waaday Peh Eitbar Kiya,” “Bata A Asmaan Walay,” “Nikkal Kar Teri Mehfil Say Yeh Deevanay Kahan Jayen,” “Zindgi mein to sabhi pyar kiya karte hain,” and “Kyon Humse Khafa Ho Gaye.”
Voices That Immortalised His Words
Shifai’s ghazals and songs found sublime expression through legendary artists: Mehdi Hasan, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Noor Jehan, Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh, Pankaj Udhas, Roop Kumar Rathod, Chandan Dass, and Hariharan, among others.
Particularly moving were renditions such as “Khula hai jhoot ka baazar aao sach bolen,” “Likh diya apne dar pe kisi ne,” “Sadma to hai mujhe bhi ki tujhse juda hoon main,” “Kiya hai pyar jise hamne zindgi ki tarah,” “Apne hothon par sajana chahta hoon,” and the evocative “Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera.”
Crossing Borders: The Hindi Cinema Chapter
“Tere dar par sanam chale aaye, Tu na aaya to hum chale aaye…” (To your doorstep, my beloved, I have come; If you did not come, then I have arrived…)
Shifai made his Hindi film debut in 1953 with Aabshar, starring Raj Kumar and Nimmi, penning “Dil Par Sau Sau Baar Chalaye Nainon Wale Teer Ho” and “O Dil Churane Wale Is Dil Ko Dil Mein Le Le.” Though collaborations were fewer, his contributions enriched films including Kudrat (1981), Painter Babu (1983), Sir (1993), Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee (1993), Naaraaz (1994), and others.
Memorable tracks such as “Dukh Sukh Ki Har Ik Mala,” “Kab Talak Shama Jali Yaad Nahin,” “Badalon Mein Chhup Raha Hai Chand Kyun,” “Dil Deta Hai Ro Ro Duhaai,” “Sambhaala Hai Maine,” “Sun Sun Sun Barsaat Ki Dhun,” and “Baant Raha Tha Jab Khuda” continue to stir deep emotions.
A Legacy Honoured
“Dard se mera daaman bhar de ya Allah, Phir chahe deewana kar de ya Allah.” (Fill my garment with pain, O Allah; Then, if You wish, make me mad with longing, O Allah.)
Qateel Shifai’s profound impact earned prestigious accolades: the Adamjee Literary Award in 1964, Pakistan’s Pride of Performance in 1994, and India’s Amir Khusro Award. His words, bridging divides, affirmed the unifying power of art.
“Apne haathon ki lakeeron mein basa le mujhko…”
(Engrave me in the lines of your palms…)
When Qateel Shifai left us on July 11, 2001, he bequeathed a treasure trove of verse that still inspires poets, lyricists, and listeners worldwide.
In an era of transient distractions, his work stands as a luminous reminder of poetry’s ability to console, awaken, and connect souls across time.
On this solemn anniversary, we celebrate not merely a poet’s life, but the immortal melodies he gifted to humanity.
~Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai….
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author.
